so I'm a year 12 and I 99% sure of what uni course I want to do for the 2011 entry. I have now got a list of 8 unveristys which I'm intrested in having a look at. When should I go to the open day? When I'm in year 13, afer I have applied or just ASAP? Also when does the application normal have to be in by for peopl not doing medicine?

(Original post by GurlGamer)
I wasn't sure where to put this so I just stuck it in here

so I'm a year 12 and I 99% sure of what uni course I want to do for the 2011 entry. I have now got a list of 8 unveristys which I'm intrested in having a look at. When should I go to the open day? When I'm in year 13, afer I have applied or just ASAP? Also when does the application normal have to be in by for peopl not doing medicine?

Thanks

A lot of universities will have more laid back and "optional" open days in June time after your AS level exams which you can apply to attend through their websites if you so wish. It's certainly not essential, but if you wish to narrow down your choices then it is worth visiting them (or some of them). However, it is quite likely that you will be invited to open days after you apply anyway, so don't feel you need to visit every one and open days in the summer/early autumn are primarily for your decision making of your choices.

Deadlines are 15th October for med/vet/dentistry/oxbridge, 15th Jan for most others and late march for a few art and design courses.

Well, they're on in June and September. I don't think I went to any in June but I went to some in September. I wish I'd gone in June, though, because it means you're less rushed in September so you can concentrate on your personal statement and stuff.

I went to Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Keele open days after my AS-level summer exams. It wasn't that much of a hassle as Lpool and Manchester are fairly cheap on the train (and only take 30 mins). Leeds and Keele, Dad came along as he was on leave at the time.

I had a look around York Uni when I had my interview and I didn't bother taking JMU any further (as it was the backup choice if I didn't get offers elsewhere).

(Original post by FranticMind)
I never bothered going to any open days. Waste of time and money if you ask me.

If you apply to universities that you have heard good things about, nice location, you could see yourself there, prestigious.

Then if you get an interview you generally get given a tour.

Why bother when you might not even get a chance to go to interview?

A friend of mine went to all the universities he applied to on open days and then he went back for interviews.

Cost him something like £350 in train tickets alone, twice.

For the interviews did he not ask if the university would fund it? Some will do so, for example I'm going to Reading on Wednesday just for a post offer open day and they say if I make my way there through public transport that they will pay. Just have to fill in a form.

(Original post by polka_dott)
If you are not able to go to universities you could go on the www.unionview.com website and see what certain places are like.. it is better than nothing

I did not go to any of mine before I applied - I only go if I have an offer

That site looks good - only problem is only one of the places I've applied for is on there xP

OP: I'm in year 13, going Uni in September, and I haven't been to any open days yet .
I would recommend going as soon as possible tbh, I kinda regret that I didn't see the place before I chose it.
The only thing is, once you've applied and recieve an offer, some/most unis offer a specific Open Day to your course, (eg. specifically looking at the humanities department, etc) Which you can't apply to go to unless you've had an offer from the uni.

Really it depends how much money you're willing to spend travelling there etc. If money's no object then just go for it. xP

(Original post by SirMasterKey)
For the interviews did he not ask if the university would fund it? Some will do so, for example I'm going to Reading on Wednesday just for a post offer open day and they say if I make my way there through public transport that they will pay. Just have to fill in a form.

(Original post by GurlGamer)
I wasn't sure where to put this so I just stuck it in here

so I'm a year 12 and I 99% sure of what uni course I want to do for the 2011 entry. I have now got a list of 8 unveristys which I'm intrested in having a look at. When should I go to the open day? When I'm in year 13, afer I have applied or just ASAP? Also when does the application normal have to be in by for peopl not doing medicine?

Thanks

The open days don't usually happen until the AS's are over- some are at the end of June, beginning of July, then there are a few in September/October. If you can't make the given days they usually offer campus tours say once a week which help you get an idea of the uni. Personally I'd advise you visit them all before you apply, as this can help you make sure your happy with all your choices. I found out more than you do in the prospectus as that gives a 100% positive view of the uni and it was having been to a uni open day that I decided not to apply to a particular uni. This way you make sure all 5 of your choices are places you want to go to.

As for the deadline for applications, the UCAS deadline is 15th January (2011 for you I presume) however many schools and colleges have an earlier one to ensure that references are done in time. This may be October/November.